Friday, 10 September 2010

During the Squadrons parade night on Thursday 9th September 2010, OC Central & East Yorkshire Wing, Wing Commander Steve Wiggins and Deputy OC Wing Sqn Ldr Joe Ayre made a visit to the Squadron but unlike the previous visits, the Wing Commander didn't come round and talk to the cadets but instead was in the office for the majority of his visit.This left cadets wondering what was going on and eventually on the final parade they found out.During the parade WO Wood was awarded a Clasp to his Cadet Forces Medal for his long and dedicated uniformed service to the Squadron and the Corps over the past 18 years.The real surprise to the night though was the announcement that Flt Lt John Hitchen, after 22 years of service with the Squadron was to step down as Commanding Officer of 1224 and take up the post of Sector Commander for Sector 5 of Central & East Yorkshire Wing. Following the announcement Wing Commander Wiggins said that he was glad to have someone with the experience of Flt Lt Hitchen taking up the post.This of course meant that there was a vacancy at the top at 1224 which will be filled by Pilot Officer Sue Leighton.

The Squadron will be sad to see Flt Lt Hitchen leave but hope that he'll be able to come down and visit us now and again!